Partition wall

ABSTRACT

A partition wall comprising at least one wall element  1  which comprises front and rear wall panels  2  joined in a rectangular frame composed of lateral frame parts  4  and upper and lower frame parts  6  and  8.  The lateral frame parts include two sets of opposing guide grooves  14  which permit the wall panels to be inserted into the frame by sliding the wall panels along the respective set of guide grooves.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of international application PCT/DE2004/002088, filed 17 Sep. 2004, and which designates the U.S. The disclosure of the referenced application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a partition wall composed of at least one wall element, where the wall element comprises at least one wall panel and frame parts at least partially enclosing the wall panel to form a frame. The wall panel can be a flat member covered with cloth, thus, for example, a textile-covered flat member which is disposed as a fixed panel in the frame. Finally, the wall panel can be any flat member, with or without applications.

Partition walls of the generic type have long been known in practice. Only by way of example is reference made here to the German Utility Model DE 202 07 741 U1.

The generic partition wall is, however, problematic in practice to the extent that a specific appearance is defined in advance when procuring the partition wall, which due to the concrete, unalterable embodiment cannot be changed, or can only be changed to a limited extent. Variable use is thus not possible, or is possible only within narrow limits.

The object of the present invention is to develop and improve a partition wall of the generic type in such a manner that, with a simple construction, it can be used in a variable, and thus multi-functional, manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by the provision of a partition wall which comprises at least one wall element composed of at least one wall panel and a frame enclosing the wall panel, and wherein the wall panel can be inserted into the frame by sliding the frame into opposed guide grooves formed in the lateral frame parts.

According to the invention it has been recognized that the partition wall can be advantageously shaped in such a manner that the wall panel or the wall panels of the wall element can be exchanged. Even with this measure, variable use is ensured with the simplest construction. Here it plays no role whether the wall element is an exchangeable wall panel or, on the front side and rear side, comprises two exchangeable wall panels. It is only essential here that exchangeability from at least one side, i. e. in the visible area, is possible, whereby on the one hand its overall appearance and on the other hand its functionality can be changed.

The flexibility of the partition wall according to the invention is increased by the fact that the wall element comprises on both sides, i. e. on each of the front side and the rear side, a wall panel. In other words the appearance of both sides can be changed, namely by inserting or exchanging a wall panel on the front side and a wall panel on the rear side respectively, where the assignment of the terms “front side” and “rear side” plays no role if one assumes equivalent sides of the wall element and thus of the partition wall.

In the scope of providing two wall panels which can be inserted in the frame, it is in addition advantageous if they can be inserted on both sides of the wall element and correspondingly removed from the frame. Such an insertion or exchange of the wall panels could be done horizontally from the side. In particular when linking together wall elements however, it is advantageous if the wall panel can be inserted into the frame vertically, preferably from above. Such an application has the advantage that when the cover has sufficient height the wall panel can be exchanged or withdrawn upwards or, with a slight tilt of the wall element, the wall panel can be exchanged or withdrawn obliquely to the cover.

From the standpoint of construction, the frame formed by the frame parts is open upwards for insertion of the wall panel. If the wall element ends above the usual eye level the frame could remain open upwards. Likewise, it is however conceivable that, to insert the wall panel, the frame can be opened in its upper area and preferably, after the insertion of the wall panel, can be closed with a frame part or closing part for final enclosure of the wall panel. In concrete terms, a cover which can be inserted or plugged in could be provided for closing a plug-in opening in the upper area of the frame so that with the use of the partition wall the impression of a wall element closed on all sides is imparted.

The wall element or the partition wall under discussion here offers not only a visual demarcation or division of space but rather also an acoustic demarcation in any case when an acoustic damping material is disposed between the wall panels. In addition it should be noted that the wall element, if needed, can be constructed with a different width, namely corresponding to the dimensions of the frame parts. Thus, in any case enough space can be provided between the wall panels to accommodate an acoustic damping material so that an acoustic decoupling of different spatial areas can be realized with the partition wall.

At this point it should be noted that between the wall panels different materials can be disposed at different functional parts so that the most varied properties and functions can be assigned to the wall panel. This will be further described below.

Like the upper frame part, the lateral frame parts can also comprise closing caps or closing strips in order also to impart from the side the impression of a frame closed in itself. The lateral frame parts, closing caps, or closing strips can be used to link together wall elements. For this, the lateral frame parts comprise special connecting elements which serve to connect two or more wall elements. In concrete terms, the connecting elements of two wall elements could be formed to be disposed opposite to one another and effectively connected. Thus, the connecting elements of two adjacent wall elements could comprise needled felt connections serving for mutual connection so that disposing them so as to be opposite to one another, or at least so as to reciprocally press onto one another, effects an approximately flat connection between the wall elements, via their connecting elements.

To realize a secure connection between two wall elements it is also possible that the connecting elements of two adjacent wall elements comprise plug-in elements/plug-in openings serving for mutual connection, where for the connection of two wall elements the raising of one wall element with respect to the other wall element, the plugging of the plug-in elements into the opposing plug-in openings, and a relative motion between the wall elements which effects a lock is required. A secure connection is created, where it is possible without further effort to generate such a connection with rounded lateral parts which permit the wall elements to be at an angle with respect to one another. In principle, the application of any connection technology is possible in order to dispose, and thus connect in a secure manner, two flat elements in a straight line or at an angle 5 relative to one another.

The lower frame part of the wall elements serves for the secure upright positioning of the partition wall. To align the wall element, the base could comprise supporting feet whose height can be adjusted, where, after positioning of the partition wall, a jacketing of the lower area, in particular also for sealing with respect to the floor, is possible.

Along with the supporting feet, or alternatively thereto, the base could comprise fastening elements for fixation to, on, or in the floor. To the extent that the floor, as is the case in most offices, is covered with carpet, the lower frame part or the base could comprise a needled felt connection for fixation to the carpeted floor or the like. With simple means, fixation would be created here so that only the partition wall still remains to be supported. If at least two wall elements are connected at an angle with respect to one another, a stand-alone partition wall is realized so that additional supporting means are not required.

The frame parts forming the frame can be realized in the most varied manner. In principle, a construction of wood or a construction of plastic would be conceivable. In a quite particularly advantageous manner, the frame parts forming the frame are at least partially embodied as aluminum profiles with external connection strips or cover strips. In addition, the actual frame parts could consist of a uniform plastic profile which, to receive the cover strips, connection strips, or base, comprises all around its periphery special receptacles for plugging in or catching the respective parts.

The insertable wall panels can be produced from different materials. Thus, the wall panels can be produced in particular from wood, metal, or plastic. In addition, it is conceivable that the wall panels are coated or veneered with a flat material, e. g. with cloth or plastic, or covered with cloth. In particular by covering with cloth the sound-absorbing property of the wall element can be enhanced quite significantly. Furthermore, an optimal adaptation to the other furniture can be accomplished by covering with cloth, where it is possible that not the wall panel itself but rather the frame is covered immediately before the wall panel. Wide-ranging flexibility and variability of the partition wall is also realized thereby.

The wall panel could consist of solid material. Likewise, it is conceivable to realize the wall panel as a perforated plate, thus, for example, of plastic or aluminum.

In an additional advantageous manner, additional functions could be assigned to the wall element, namely by the concrete structure of the wall panels. Thus the wall panels could comprise recesses or special receptacles for the disposition or fixation of any objects. Likewise, it is conceivable that the wall element, at least in some areas, comprises lighting in the sense of a lighting cabinet, where the light source can serve to communicate information similarly to an illuminated advertising wall or for spatial illumination.

As already mentioned, the wall element could comprise, at least in some areas, functional elements, thus, for example, operating elements of any type, loudspeakers, flat-panel displays, and so on. Also, a keyboard or a touch panel could be assigned to the wall element, with which its functionality can be extended and/or enhanced in any manner.

In an additional advantageous manner the wall elements, with or without functional units, can be connected to or concatenated with one another in any manner, where the angled connection of two wall elements provides a secure upright position. In concrete terms, the wall elements can be connected to one another in a straight line, at an angle, in the shape of a T, in the shape of a double T, or in the shape of a cross and thereby concatenated endlessly. Any office arrangements or any configuration of separate areas can be realized.

There are various possibilities for developing and extending the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. To be referred to concerning this, on the one hand, are the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, the following explanation of a preferred embodiment example of the invention with the aid of the drawings. In connection with the explanation of the preferred embodiment example of the invention with the aid of the drawing preferred developments and extensions of the teaching are also explained in general.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic frontal view of an embodiment of a partition wall according to the invention, where only one wall element is shown;

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the wall element of FIG. 1, where the individual frame parts and covers are shown;

FIG. 3 comprises cross-sectional views of the wall element, namely in section A-A vertically through the upper frame part and the base, and in section B-B horizontally through the lateral parts, and

FIG. 4 is a horizontal section through the side parts which form the connection area of two adjacent wall elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a partition wall according to the invention in the form of a single wall element 1, it being understood that several wall elements 1 can be connected to one another to form the partition wall. The wall element 1 comprises a wall panel 2 and frame parts enclosing the wall panel 2 to form a frame 3.

According to the invention, on at least on one side of the wall element 1 the wall panel 2 can be inserted into the frame 3 and correspondingly exchanged.

FIG. 2 shows the wall element 1 in an exploded representation, namely along with the wall panel 2 the respective frame parts and covers, i. e. the lateral frame parts 4 together with the lateral covers 5, the upper frame part 6 with the upper cover 7, and the lower frame part 8 which with the supporting feet 9 forms the base 10. The frame parts 4, 6, and 8 are made in the form of aluminum profiles. The covers 5 and 7 are also aluminum parts, where any materials can be used here.

FIG. 3 shows in two sections the wall element 1, namely according to vertical section A-A through the base 10 and the upper frame part 6 and according to horizontal section B-B through the lateral frame parts 4 and the lateral covers 5.

FIG. 3 show clearly that on both sides of the wall element 1 a wall panel 2 is inserted. Between the two wall panels 2 there is acoustic damping material 11.

The upper frame part 6 is closed to the outside by an upper cover 7. The wall panels 2 are covered in the embodiment example chosen here with a cloth 12, where each of the wall panels 2 is embodied as a perforated plate. The sound-absorbing property of the wall panel 2 is enhanced thereby.

FIG. 3 shows in section B-B the arrangement of the lateral frame parts 4 together with lateral covers 5. Also, the lateral cover 5 are covered, namely with a velour material 13.

In section B-B of FIG. 3 it can be seen clearly that the lateral frame parts 4 comprise quite special vertical guide grooves 14 in order to be able to receive the respective wall elements 2. In the embodiment chosen here, the wall panels 2 are ca. 3 mm thick, where different embodiments with respect to the profile are possible.

In reference to FIG. 3 it should be noted that the cloth 12 can be stretched over the wall panel 2. Likewise, it is possible to connect the cloth 12 to the wall panel 2 by adhesion, thus, for example, by means of a spray adhesive which is sprayed onto the wall panel 2 or onto the perforated plate serving for this purpose.

FIG. 3 furthermore shows the concrete development of the lateral frame parts 4 which comprise an anchor foot 15 in their lower area. In any case, the lateral frame parts 4 are embodied so that a correspondingly adapted cover 5 can be clicked in, namely by a special catch mechanism 16 with corresponding spring elements 17 for inserting into the frame part 4.

FIG. 4 shows only parts of two wall elements 1 which are connected to one another via the lateral frame parts 4 and the covers 5 there. Stated more precisely, the lateral covers 5 are provided with a rounded surface 18 which in turn comprises parts of a needled felt connection which are compatible with one another. Due to the rounded surfaces 18 the wall elements 1 can be concatenated one with another in a straight line or at a predetermined angle, where a secure needled felt connection 19 is created.

With regard to additional features which cannot be deduced from the figures chosen here, reference is made to the general part of the description to avoid repetition.

Finally, let it be noted that the embodiment example discussed above serves as an exemplary discussion of the teaching claimed but does not restrict it to the embodiment example. 

1. A partition wall comprising at least one wall element which comprises at least one wall panel and frame parts at least partially surrounding the periphery of the wall panel to form a frame, and wherein the frame includes two lateral frame parts which include opposing guide grooves which permit the wall panel to be inserted by sliding the wall panel thereinto.
 2. The partition wall according to claim 1, wherein the two lateral frame parts are vertically oriented so that the wall panels can be inserted in a vertical direction.
 3. The partition wall according to claim 2, wherein the frame further includes an upper frame part extending between the two lateral frame parts for closing an upper portion of the frame after insertion of the wall panel.
 4. The partition wall according to claim 1, wherein the frame includes a cover joined to the exterior of each of the lateral frame parts.
 5. The partition wall according to claim 4, wherein the covers of the lateral frame parts include a connecting element which serves to connect two wall elements with the connecting elements thereof disposed opposite to one another.
 6. The partition wall according to claim 5, wherein the connecting elements of two adjacent wall elements comprise needled felt fabrics which interconnect to each other.
 7. The partition wall according to claim 1, wherein the one wall element comprises front and rear parallel wall panels, and wherein the two lateral frame parts include two sets of opposing guide grooves which permit respective ones of the wall panels to be inserted by sliding into one of the sets of opposing guide grooves.
 8. The partition wall according to claim 7, further comprising an acoustic damping or insulating material disposed between the front and rear wall panels.
 9. The partition wall according to claim 1 wherein the frame further includes an upper frame part for closing an upper portion of the frame and a lower frame part which forms a base.
 10. The partition wall according to claim 9 wherein the base comprises supporting feet whose height is adjustable.
 11. The partition wall according to claim 9 wherein the base comprises fastening elements for fixation to or on a floor.
 12. The partition wall according to claim 9 wherein the base comprises a needled felt fabric for fastening to a carpeted floor or the like.
 13. The partition wall according to claim 9 wherein the lateral frame parts and the upper frame part each comprise a metal profile with a cover connected on an outer portion thereof.
 14. The partition wall according to claim 1 wherein the wall panel is made of wood, or metal, or plastic, and is coated with a fabric cloth or plastic.
 15. The partition wall according to claim 1 wherein the wall panel comprises a perforated plate.
 16. A partition wall comprising at least one generally rectangular wall element which comprises front and rear parallel wall panels, and frame parts at least partially surrounding the periphery of the wall panels to form a frame, and wherein the frame includes two lateral frame parts which include two sets of opposing guide grooves which permit respective ones of the wall panels to be inserted into the frame by sliding into one of the sets of opposing guide grooves, an upper frame part extending between the lateral frame parts for closing the portion of the frame through which the panels are inserted, and a lower frame part which forms a base.
 17. The partition wall according to claim 16 wherein the frame further includes covers joined to the exterior of the lateral frame parts and the upper frame part.
 18. The partition wall according to claim 17 wherein the covers which overlie the lateral frame parts each include a connecting element which serves to connect two adjacent wall elements. 